Cello: The Family of The Violin’s Instrument

If you look at the cello, then the first impression you have is that it is a huge guitar. However, it does not belong to the family of guitars, but rather that of the violins. This is a huge hollow wooden instrument that is played with the bow in the right hand, while the end pin is placed on the floor. The handle is balanced by the left hand, which also manipulates the strings. The first cellos had five strings and as such were not as versatile as the present versions, which have only four; A, D, G and C. The C is the lowest note and the A is the highest. Because the instrument is played with four strings, it can be assimilated into both classical and modern types of music with equal ease. Looking back at its three-stringed ancestors, the present version has managed to keep its free voice, while retaining the elegance of a classical instrument.

The origin of the cello can be traced to early 1700 AD when this was only a three stringed violin type instrument. Even so, it is one of the newest instruments in the music line, though amazingly compliant with both classic and modern music. Just like with the violins, cellos are usually made of any of the four types of wood: maple, spruce, poplar and willow. Another similarity is that this instrument can vary in size, to perfectly match the person who is playing.

There is a rich double bass sound that makes the cello the best possible background music, whether playing in a symphony or in a modern band. Though it is by comparison a very young instrument, it has managed to fit in smoothly with all genres of music played today. It is as elegant as the violin, while it provides the highest versatility in its application. This is one of the reasons why this musical instrument is sought after by both classical and modern music lovers.

It is easy to see why the cello is considered one of the most versatile of musical instruments. Though it has been around only since 1700 AD, it has managed to set an irreplaceable place in classical music. No classical symphony would be the same without the deep bass sound of this instrument playing in the background. Today, you will find this instrument played as commonly as you would find an electric guitar.